amars8 Posted 22 February , 2017 Share Posted 22 February , 2017 Hallo everybody, can anyone suggest me what's the best guided tour provider of the Somme battlefields, on the basis of his/her experience? Thank you very much. Best regards, Alberto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burlington Posted 22 February , 2017 Share Posted 22 February , 2017 (edited) This is going to be a very tricky question to answer. First of all, define 'best'. Then decide the type & scope of guided tour you want, bearing in mind the age and capabilities of the participants. Also, some enthusiasts will say that a guided tour is not a proper tour without returning back to base filthy & absolutely knackered! Further, will you be walking or riding in a car or bus. This is partly determined by numbers, ages etc AND of course what the potential guide can offer. 'Pile it high & sell it cheap' or something a bit more demanding on the old grey matter? What is important is that you are able, as you are doing, to judge the capabilities of a guide by eg reference to humble members of this Forum and other similar, whether the potential guide is a member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides, and other reference points of your choosing. Finally, this Forum comprises very many members. Some of course guides. How many recommendations can you cope with? How will you sort them out in your own mind? don't forget you will be working 'blind'. Hope these short scribbles help. Martin Edited 22 February , 2017 by burlington Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Tom Posted 22 February , 2017 Share Posted 22 February , 2017 I have no experience of commercial tours, although I have been a member of several WFA group tours quided by members. I would suggest that you should decide what it is you want, i.e, do you want to appreciate the scope of of July 16 offensive, or is your interest mainly about a particular formation or unit. Then see what the various offers consist of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Maria Posted 22 February , 2017 Share Posted 22 February , 2017 I did the Leger Holidays 'Remembering the Somme' tour in 2015 and really enjoyed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Lees Posted 22 February , 2017 Share Posted 22 February , 2017 I am undoubtedly the best guide on the Somme. There, you can't get a better recommendation than that! End of discussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amars8 Posted 22 February , 2017 Author Share Posted 22 February , 2017 9 minutes ago, Ken Lees said: I am undoubtedly the best guide on the Somme. There, you can't get a better recommendation than that! End of discussion. Great! How much per day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Lees Posted 22 February , 2017 Share Posted 22 February , 2017 1 minute ago, amars8 said: Great! How much per day? An absolute bargain. When are you coming? I'll put the kettle on and start planning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burlington Posted 23 February , 2017 Share Posted 23 February , 2017 15 hours ago, amars8 said: Great! How much per day? This is going to be a very tricky question to answer. First of all, define 'best'. Then decide the type & scope of guided tour you want, bearing in mind the age and capabilities of the participants. Also, some enthusiasts will say that a guided tour is not a proper tour without returning back to base absolutely knackered! Further, will you be walking or riding in a car or bus. This is partly determined by numbers, ages etc AND of course what the potential guide can offer. 'Pile it high & sell it cheap' or something a bit more demanding on the old grey matter. What is important is that you are able to judge the capabilities of a guide by eg reference to humble members of this Forum and other similar, whether the potential guide is a member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides, and other reference points of your choosing. Finally, this Forum comprises very many members. Some of course guides. How many recommendations can you cope with? How will you sort them out in your own mind? don't forget you will be working 'blind'. Hope these short scribbles help. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burlington Posted 23 February , 2017 Share Posted 23 February , 2017 Oops! My posting seems to have spawned a twin. Apologies all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIRKY Posted 23 February , 2017 Share Posted 23 February , 2017 Ken should get it due to his honesty! Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amars8 Posted 30 March , 2017 Author Share Posted 30 March , 2017 Hallo everybody, a kind suggestion again. Before leaving, I like to be well informed not only about the events but also about places and sites. Can be better the Michelin Guide: http://travel.michelin.co.uk/the-battlefields-of-the-somme-1753-p.asp or the CWGC one: https://ospreypublishing.com/cwgc-battlefield-companion-somme-1916 ? Thanks, Alberto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Hartley Posted 30 March , 2017 Share Posted 30 March , 2017 Let me preface this by saying Ken is something of a pal of mine, so it might be no surprise when I say I would thoroughly recommend him. He's thoroughly knowledgable about the Somme, not least as he lives there. Because he does "personal guiding", he can configure your tour to exactly what you need to see. And he's also an all round good bloke - for a scouser, of course. His website is here - http://www.explore1914-18.com/info.html John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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